Brussel Sprouts and Cheddar Cheese Bake (Emeril)

By pmfox

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
• 1 cup onion, small diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 TBSP unsalted butter
• 1 lb brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper(if you like spicy)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a 12" saute pan over medium high heat, render the bacon until crisp and golden, about 8 mins. Remove the bacon from the pan using a slotted spoon to a heat proof bowl. Add onion to the pan and cook for 4 mins or until wilted and beginning to carmelize. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another 2 mins, stirring occasionally. Remove the onions and garlic from the pan to the same bowl with bacon.

Add 1 1/2 TBSP of butter to the pan along with half the Brussels sprouts and 1/2 tsp thyme. Cook the sprouts for 2 to 3 mins on on side until they begin to brown. Add 1/2 the chicken stock, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper. Flip the Brussels sprouts and continue to cook for another minute. Remove them from the pan to bowl with bacon and onions.

Add remaining 1 1/2 TBSP of butter and cook the remaining Brussels sprouts in the same way, adding the remaining 1/8 cup of stock after they've browned, and seasoning them with the remaining 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper.

Toss all of the Brussels Sprouts with the bacon and onions. Pour the mixture into a 10 x 6 baking dish.

Sprinkle the top of the dish with the cheese and bake for 20 mins, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown on top. Serve immediately.